David Figueroa-Martinez

Tapped In: A JiuJitsu Podcast

Sports EN ↓ 185 episodes

I am a dedicated practitioner and coach on a mission to help you navigate the complex, rewarding world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Whether you are a White Belt trying to survive your first stripe or a seasoned grappler looking for a competitive edge, I created this show to be your technical and mental mat-side companion. In every episode of Tapped In, I break down the nuances of submission grappling. I dive deep into the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle, discussing how to overcome mat burnout, manage BJJ injuries, and develop the "black belt mindset" both on and off the mats. Why Listen to Me? Beyond my fiftee...

Author

David Figueroa-Martinez

Category

Sports

Podcast website

feeds.captivate.fm

Latest episode

Jul 9, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

E41 | Sneaky Things Older Grapplers Do 24.08.2025

In this episode we cover the sneaky things that older grapplers do. These are tactics that I personally believe everyone should use, but often get ignored until you hit a certain age. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify their learning. Use my link to expl...

E40 | Fix The Leverage Points, Not Everything 19.08.2025

In this episode we discuss ways to improve your game in the most efficient ways possible. By focusing on leverage points, key segments of your game, that would improve multiple areas of your game all at once. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify their lear...

E39 | My Biggest Mistakes 17.08.2025

In this episode we covering some of my biggest mistakes. They are all common from what I've seen, but nonetheless something that I think we should cover. Please learn from my mistakes so you can make your way through Jiu-Jitsu maybe faster than I did. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped...

E38 | When A Lower Belt Taps You 12.08.2025

We've all been there, you're riding a high of perhaps a new promotion or maybe you've been dominating most of the lower belts in the gym and you come across someone who gets you. It can be an issue, specifically if that lower belt is perhaps getting you regularly. Lets chat. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual J...

E37 | White Belt? Try This! 10.08.2025

In this episode I discuss some trips and trips of what White Belts can do to help themselves along the journey. You are going to make a host of mistakes and that's natural. At the same time, it can also be possible to cut some time off of your learning curve. Hopefully this helps. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of concep...

E36 | Bonus Ep - My Worst Injuries 08.08.2025

In this episode, I discuss my three worst injuries and how I trained and taught around them. While I have never needed surgery for any of my injuries, they were pretty decent setbacks that caused me to doubt myself, forcing me to work around them. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped tho...

E35 | The Power of Coachability 05.08.2025

In this episode we discuss one of the most important qualities any athlete or human being can have. The ability to be coached. The students that get better faster, are almost always the most coachable. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify their learning. U...

E34 | Your Jiu-Jitsu DNA 03.08.2025

In this episode we discuss how techniques are invariably specific to your body type, the game you're playing, the environment that you're in, the ruleset that you are training for. No two people will have the same technique. So how I apply techniques will look different than anyone else over time. And.. that's OK. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models...

E33 | The Self Coached Grappler 29.07.2025

In this short-form episode of Tapped In, we dive into being self coached. We’re going to discuss why it happens, what gyms can do to better the situation, but more importantly what the student can do to help themselves along. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers si...

E32 | The Secret Sauce Behind Every Good Sweep 27.07.2025

In this episode, I discuss some abstracted sweeping principles that I lean heavily on in order to initiate and pull off sweep. I review how important it is to understand someone's stance and the art of attacking in generalized ways. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapp...

E31 | Bonus Ep - The Weight I Finally Learned To Carry 25.07.2025

This episode I reflect on the emotional growth that came after losing a friend and coworker and how I handle emotions in my forties. For most of my life, I wore stoicism like armor, but grief cracked it open. I talk about learning to express what I feel, why silence stopped serving me, and how embracing emotion made me a better man, Jiu-Jitsu coach, and friend. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud...

E30 | The Three Guards I Love To Play 22.07.2025

In this episode I cover my three favorite guards. I cover Half Guard, Butterfly Guard, and Half Guard and the reasons why I like them. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify their learning. Use my link to explore their premium offerings and support the show:...

E29 | Loyalty Without Manipulation 20.07.2025

In this episode I discuss loyalty and how it plays out and is often used within Jiu-Jitsu. I cover my own experiences as someone who's been training for over 14 years at multiple gyms. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify their learning. Use my link to exp...

E28 | Bonus Ep - So You Want to Blog/Podcast 18.07.2025

In this short form episode we discuss my journey in blogging and my newest endeavor, podcasting. We cover some of the pitfalls, the reasons for pursuing either art, and what I've learned along the process. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify their learnin...

E27 | Audio Companion: The New White Belt 15.07.2025

In this episode we discuss how important new White Belts are and what we can do to get the best of of them and welcome them into the fold. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify their learning. Use my link to explore their premium offerings and support the s...

E26 | On Teaching Kids 13.07.2025

On this episode I cover my history with teaching kids. The massive benefit that an instructor can get from starting at the kids level, along with some tips on how to approach it. This was a previously recorded episode from April on a mic that I have since replace. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu th...

E25 | Bonus Ep - Trends Vs Effectiveness 12.07.2025

In this episode we discuss my journey and all the different fads that I've come across and how none of them truly determine what's effective in Jiu-Jitsu. Often times, what's popular is just that.. what's popular. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify their...

E24 | Audio Companion: Let's F**k Up Someone's Jiu-Jitsu 08.07.2025

In this short-form episode of Tapped In, we dive into how I changed class for a short time in order to dismantle someone’s Jiu-Jitsu. What You’ll Learn: * How I Kept It Fun * The Benefits * What I Learned One Quote to Reflect On: "If you want to dismantle a system, study its patterns." BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of c...

E23 | Gym to Gym Community 06.07.2025

Episode Description In this short-form episode of Tapped In, we dive creating community between Jiu-Jitsu gyms. Creating this types of communities is massive for students and instructor development alike, specifically for smaller gyms. I recently taught a Kimura Seminar at Five Peaks that was supported by all three gyms that I teach at to benefit a family who needed some support. It was an amazing...

E22 | Bonus Ep - UFC Bjj 1 Review 04.07.2025

In this short-form episode of Tapped In, we dive into what I thought about UFC Bjj 1 and the TUF style reality show. What You’ll Learn: * My Issued With The Coaches * The Commentary Needs Work * Better Explanation of Jiu-Jitsu BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers s...

E21 | Red Flags In Jiu-Jitsu 01.07.2025

In this short-form episode of Tapped In, we dive into the most common red flags in Jiu-Jitsu, my own experiences, how I dealt with them, and finally what you can do. What You’ll Learn: * Concerns and Flags * If You’re New, What To Look For * How I Navigate One Quote to Reflect On: "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time." — Maya Angelou BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud...

E20 | Audio Companion: Don't Be The Reason Someone Quits 29.06.2025

In this short-form episode of Tapped In, we dive into how I changed class for a short time in order to dismantle someone’s Jiu-Jitsu. What You’ll Learn: * Elements To Consider * How Important Culture Is * What We Can All Do One Quote to Reflect On: "Don’t be the reason someone quits!" BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of co...

E19 | Audio Companion: Live, Die, Repeat 24.06.2025

In this short-form episode of Tapped In, we dive into the movie Edge of Tomorrow. It is probably the best analogy for Jiu-Jitsu and with life in general. What You’ll Learn: * Lessons We Can Learn * Increasing Rate Of Failure * Things To Consider One Quote to Reflect On: "Jiu-Jitsu at the highest level isn’t just about submissions—it’s about solving problems under pressure." -Unknown BJJ Mental Mod...

E18 | What Kind Of Training Partner Are You? 22.06.2025

In this short-form episode of Tapped In, we dive into the movie Edge of Tomorrow. It is probably the best analogy for Jiu-Jitsu and with life in general. What You’ll Learn: * Does and Don’ts * How To Be Better * What to Strive For One Quote to Reflect On: "Jiu-Jitsu at the highest level isn’t just about submissions—it’s about solving problems under pressure." -Unknown BJJ Mental Models Support I'm...

E17 | Audio Companion: The Best Belt - Purple 17.06.2025

In this short-form episode of Tapped In, we dive into why I think that the Purple Belt is bay far the best and funnest belt in all of Jiu-Jitsu. What You’ll Learn: * The In Between Belt * Low Expectations * Things You Get To Do One Quote to Reflect On: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” — Leonardo da Vinci Hope you enjoyed the article and the audio companion. I’m looking forward to conti...

Listen to the Tapped In: A JiuJitsu Podcast podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.